Tesla Unveils New Flying Car That Uses SpaceX Rocket Thrusters to Fly
Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s redesigned Roadster 2, a sports car prototype he claims could become the world’s first flying car. Demonstrated at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility in Texas, the vehicle combines Tesla’s automotive technology with thrusters from Musk’s aerospace company to perform aerial manoeuvres.
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s Roadster 2, a flying car prototype featuring SpaceX thrusters, mid-air flips and a claimed sub-second 0–60mph time.
Tesla
The demonstration featured the Roadster driving up a curved ramp, flipping in mid-air and landing after using its thrusters. Musk also claimed the sports car could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than a second.
Tesla Roadster 2 Uses Rocket Thrusters to Perform Mid-Air Flip
Footage from the demonstration showed the Roadster 2 approaching a curved ramp and using suction to maintain its grip while driving upside down. The vehicle then activated its thrusters to flip, fly through the air and land.
The car was controlled remotely during the demonstration. Musk explained that the decision was made “to make sure we don’t kill anyone”.
In another part of the event, the Roadster used its jets to leap over a line of existing Tesla models before accelerating to 60mph in what was presented as record time.
Sharing a video of the demonstration on his social media platform, X, Musk wrote: “Turns out the future does have flying cars,”
Elon Musk Says Tesla’s Flying Car Can Perform Aerial Manoeuvres
Speaking at Thursday’s event, Musk described the vehicle’s flight capabilities and its thruster system.
“Flying cars are real. It’s got altitude controls, thrusters and main thrusters in the rear. So it can basically fly like a rocket, it can do rolls, crazy gymnastics.”
However, Musk acknowledged that the vehicle might face legal restrictions and raised questions about its safety-focused design.
“I’m not sure it’s necessarily legal in all jurisdictions,” Musk said, adding that the prototype was “not necessarily a safety optimised car but it takes the fun meter to 11”.
Tesla Roadster 2 Production Planned for 2028
Musk’s latest demonstration marks a change from his earlier position on flying vehicles. In 2014, he expressed scepticism about a future involving flying cars.
Three years later, he announced the development of the Roadster 2, an electric sports car intended to challenge conventional petrol-powered vehicles. The car is scheduled to enter production in 2028 and is priced at more than $200,000 (£150,000).
At the time of its announcement, the vehicle was described as an electric sports car designed “to give a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars”.
Tesla Roadster 2 Reservations and Deposit Requirements
Following the demonstration, Tesla’s reservation website outlined different options for people interested in the two-seater Roadster 2.
A performance version requires a £50,000 deposit, while the thrust version requires a $250,000 deposit.
Tesla also listed a single-seat rocket variant featuring a “full flight system”. This version was available by invitation only.
Despite the prototype’s flying capabilities, Tesla stated that flying the vehicle was not permitted on public roads.
